Japan & Men’s Malaysia Pass Round Robin as Top Group

Date

22 May 2014

Malaysia faced off against Korea (runners-up in the last Thomas Cup in 2012) for the top position in Group C on Wednesday, May 21st. They defeated Korea in some tough matches by 3-2, and are set to play against Denmark in the quarterfinal today.

Against Korea, one of the world’s power houses of badminton, Malaysia got off to a good start, with a victory from world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei (VTZF2, SHB01LTD). In doubles, Tan Boon Heong (NR-ZSP, SHBF1NLTD) and Hoon Thien How (VTZF, SHBF1NLTD) lost to Yoo Yeon Seong and Lee Yong Dae with a close score of 21-19 21-19. However, Chong Wei Feng (VTZF) won the second singles match against Lee Dong Keun with a marathon match, 19-21 21-17 21-14, to driving his opponent into a corner. In the second doubles match, Tan Wee Kiong (VTZF) and Goh V Shem (ARC11, SHB87LTD) grabbed the deciding point, taking the team to the top of the group. They defeated world No. 5 Kim Sa Rang and Kim Ki Jung by 21-17 21-19.

Japan, semifinalist at the last Thomas & Uber Cups, advanced to the quarterfinals as the top group both in men’s and women’s events. The Japan men’s team won against Denmark in singles, with Kenichi Tago, Kento Momota and Takuma Ueda grasping victories, winning over their opponents with 3-2. The women’s side also played against Denmark for the top place. Mirroring the men’s performance, Minatsu Mitani, Sayaka Takahashi and Akane Yamaguchi came out on top over their Danish opponents. The first women’s doubles matched proved exciting with world No. 3 Kamilla Rytter Juhl (NR-ZSP) and Christinna Pedersen (NR800, SHB-01LX) facing off against world No. 4 Ayaka Takahashi and Misaki Matsutomo. The last match at the Singapore Open in April was taken by Kamilla and Christinna, but this time Ayaka and Misaki came out as the victors. The Japanese duo won in a tough match, ending at 21-15 15-21 21-12, with the Japan team winning against Denmark by 4-1.

The Japan men’s team will face off against France, and the Japan women’s team will face off against Denmark once again in the quarterfinals.